Cain Velasquez Released on Parole in 2026
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released on parole supervision on February 15, 2026, after serving a five-year sentence imposed in March 2025 for the 2022 shooting and attempted-murder case. The sentence included credit for time already served. Earlier reporting also covered a disputed restitution claim; that civil issue is separate from his release.
The incident occurred on February 28, 2022, when Velasquez engaged in a high-speed car chase in San Jose, California. He pursued Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son. During the chase, Velasquez fired multiple shots from a .40-caliber handgun at a truck carrying Goularte, his mother, and his stepfather. While Goularte was unharmed, his stepfather, Paul Bender, was struck in the arm. The chase and subsequent shooting endangered numerous bystanders, including children at a nearby school.
Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges of attempted murder, felony assault, and related gun charges in August 2024. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 30 years to life, but Judge Arthur Bocanegra issued a five-year sentence, crediting Velasquez for time already served. Velasquez had spent nine months in jail and nearly two years under house arrest before his sentencing. With time served, he is expected to spend approximately one more year in prison.
The case has sparked intense debate within the MMA community and beyond. Many fans and fighters have expressed sympathy for Velasquez, viewing his actions as those of a father seeking justice for his child. However, others have criticized his decision to take the law into his own hands, emphasizing the dangers posed to innocent bystanders.
Goularte, who faces felony charges of lewd acts with a minor, is scheduled to stand trial on June 2, 2025. The Velasquez family has also filed a civil lawsuit against Goularte and his family’s daycare business, where the alleged molestation occurred.
Velasquez, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. His career highlights include victories over Junior dos Santos and Brock Lesnar. Following his retirement from MMA in 2019, Velasquez briefly pursued a professional wrestling career, including a match with Lesnar in WWE.
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